The Fostex HP-P1

Hot from the oven is the new Fostex HP-P1: portable digital transport, DAC, and amplifier all in one box. I have received the device straight from Hiroaki at Fostex Japan (thanks, Hiroaki!), and pairing the HP-P1 with the Ipod Classic, and out to Fostex’s TH-7B headphone (equally impressive, by the way), I am literally drooling at the sound quality this little DAC produces.

The HP-P1 takes on the same concept that we’ve seen earlier from the CLAS (Cypher Labs AlgoRhythm Solo). By acting as a portable digital transport to the Ipod, then feeding it to its own internal DAC, it produces a source quality that’s superior to the Ipod’s built-in DAC. The HP-P1 also adds its own internal amplifier, making for a more complete product package than what you get on the CLAS. With a target MSRP of $799, the HP-P1 roughly takes in the same base price of the portable transport & DAC of the CLAS device, and adds some $300 for the internal amplifier circuitry.

The sound quality of the HP-P1 is simply mind blowing. The sound of the AKM AK4480 equipped HP-P1 is simply smooth and colorless. Taking a different stance from the heavily colored but analog sounding Hifiman HM-602 and HM-801 players, the HP-P1 gives me an impression of a very refined digital source. It’s very precise, very clear, transparent and colorless, and yet the whole sound is very smooth and refined with none of the nasty coldness often associated with digital sound. The soundstage layering is very precise and clear-cut, the frequency extension very good with one of the smoothest frequency extension I’ve heard on any DACs. Guys, this stuff is good.

Lately I’ve been a big fan of the older, analog sounding DAC like the PCM1704, the TDA1541 and TDA1543, which is why I heavily favor the HM-602 and HM-801 for their very analog sound reproduction. In phase with the vinyl revolution, these old DAC chips have been the ones heavily favored by the audio crowd as they give a very analog sounding reproduction with great sound ambiance, tonality and emotion superior from most of the newer DAC chips. The sound of the Fostex HP-P1 is quite the opposite, as it clearly takes on the stance of the more colorless, often dubbed “digital sounding” DACs. And yet, this may be one of the best version of the “digital sound” group I’ve encountered so far. The colorless sound and precise instrument separation and layering is very impressive, and while most other digital sounding DACs fail, the HP-P1 shines with a truly smooth and musical without the slightest hint of coldness to be heard. This is very impressive, even by desktop DAC standards.

Glen Waverley

Anonymous

I don’t have either headphones here at the moment, but I wouldn’t bet on it.

With mainstream recordings I’m listening to the HD800 at 12 O’clock moderate volume, and crazy loud at 3 O’clock. The LCD-2 probably need somewhere between the 3 O’clock to 6 O’clock mark. The HE500 needs a little more above that.

Anonymous

Steino

Hi Mike, Thanks for your great review of the new Fostex HP-P1. Just got mine yesterday from Japan – and what a sound! Fantastic, just as you wrote (except the price, I had to pay over USD 900 plus shipping USD40). But … really, really impressive. Use it with the Grado ps1000 headphone and you are in heaven! I am!! Best, Steino

Anonymous

Hi Steino, Great you’re enjoying the HP-P1. I was just listening to it today with the Sennheiser HD25-1 and the Marshall Major and I totally enjoyed the sound. The great thing about the HP-P1 is that you get to use the Ipod UI (and Itunes and Itunes store support), whereas a HiFi player like the Hifiman HM-801 doesn’t give you all that luxury. It’s a bit expensive, I agree, but top end portable rigs are never cheap. 🙂

Zowki

In “Gears used for review” you mentioned that you used the Audio Technica M50 headphones in the review. How did the M50 sound with the Fostex HP-P1? Can I also use the Fostex HP-P1 as a USB DAC/Amp with my computer?

Anonymous

Anonymous

Anonymous

Hi Mike,

Just got my HP-P1. You know what, when the unit is connected to a USB power supply, it actually charges my iPod classic and Touch! There is however no charging icon displayed (except in the beginning when you first connect it to the HP-P1 and turn the unit on). I think it trickle charges the iPods. This means that with a USB power supply, I can use the HP-P1 and connected iPod indefinitely! Cool! This is a bonus!

Anonymous

Hi Cansman, Yea I don’t know if it’s really charging though as it does that at a really slow pace. Anyway on the digital filters, I mostly use the filter 1 setting. It’s not as engaging as the filter 2 setting (and I like an engaging sound), but I really enjoy the more spacious sound I get from filter 1.

Anonymous

Thanks for your reply, Mike. Like yourself, I am gravitating towards filter 1. In terms of iPod charging, I have been playing my unit with my classic attached continuously now for 8 days straight (connected to to a usb charger). The battery icon on the classic continues to indicate full strength!

Once again, I appreciate your website and reviews. Thanks so much for assisting me to choose musically satisfying products!

Anonymous

tom

“…of the CLAS device, and adds some $300 for the internal amplifier circuitry.”

i think your math is a little off. $799 – $579 (CLAS) = $220.

did you compare the HP-P1 against the CLAS + ALO Rx Mk2 Combo? you’ve already said that you think the HP-P1’s DAC is better than the CLAS’s, but i’m wondering how the integrated amp stacks up against the Rx Mk2. if it compares favorably, people can save $200 and get the HP-P1 instead of the $1000 CLAS + Rx Mk2 Combo.

tom

Anonymous

Rymerace

Thank you for your review. I agree your review. I ordered HP-P1 one month ago. And I really Suprised potential of this amp. HP-P1 is the best portable amp I have met! Cosmic black background, clear sound and also great musicality….. Great build quality is bonus. 🙂

I felt this amp have more valueable than its price tag.

TIP: I insist you Do use good quality digital cable. Bundle cable sucks. It sounds uproarius and ruins musicality.

Anonymous

Wmg

Do you hear a noticeable difference between the stock Fostex USB cable and the ALO cable? There seems to be the usual debate as to whether cables that just transmit digital data can make a sonic difference as long as they “work”. Would really appreciate the opinion of those who’ve heard both.

Anonymous

Hi Wmg, I was talking on this issue a few weeks back on Twitter between me and Amos.

Here is a brief of the conversation:

@headfonia @blessingx I’m tempted to write a rant on common sense. Sensible people KNOW we’d never pass a DBT on subtle differences b/t gear

@Currawong Well I have a few brand name USB cables and I actually hear differences between them. There goes my reputation as a reviewer.

@headfonia Oyaide has measurements that show the digital signal in their USB cables vs. stock are different. How it affects sound though…

@Currawong Well I’ve always used generic USB cables. But a friend sent me two cables and Fostex sent me one — so I tried swapping them.

@Currawong I mean Fostex is not exactly an oil-snake product company, but I have no idea how USB cables change sound.

@headfonia With any luck and help from a guy with $150k of equipment, we might be able to find out.

I personally haven’t tried comparing the Fostex USB cable and the ALO cable. But as outlined in the conversation above, but with the regular USB cables (I was reviewing the DACmini at that time) the ACR silver USB cable sounded like a silver interconnect while the Wireworld copper USB cable sounded like a copper interconnect.

Anonymous

Andy

For me, neither the CLAS nor the Fostex are very good options. The HP-P1 is too huge, and CLAS + amp is too expensive. I wish there were a product with the size of the CLAS and functionality of the HP-P1.

Anonymous

Jason

Hi Mike, I would like to know how HP-P1 compares to the cEntrence DacPort. I’m planing to find a dac/amp combo for my Audio Technica es 10 and possibly the Denon a100 in the future. It would be nice if you can compare them in terms of the dac quality and amp quality respectively. Thanks.

Anonymous

Jason

First of all, thanks for the comment. Greatly appreciated. I have two concerns right now. Firstly, because from what I have read from the internet, the amp section of the HP-P1 is not as strong as amps like let say RS SR71 and Meier Stepdance. I have read your article about the 12 different portable amp. I’m wondering how does the internal amp section of HP-P1 stand against these 12 amps in terms of sound quality ( Like it’s on par with what amp)

Secondly, I’m thinking about three setups. 1) Ipod Touch + Just Audio AHA-120 + headphone or 2) Ipod Touch + Fostex HP-P1 + headphone or 3) DacPort + headphone. But I value the first two options better because I listen to music mostly outdoor. I’m wondering which one would give me better performance and coherence between equipment if im using Denon ES10 and Denon A100.

Jason

Also, I’m also considering the option 4) Ipod Touch + CLAS + AHA-120 + headphone. This might be an expensive setup. But I’m just trying to find a setup that can both achieve good results (Good sound quality) with a reasonable price. I don’t mind paying a bit more because I’ll not upgrade my setup in short term.

Anonymous

Heisontam

Anonymous

Hi Jason, Yes that is correct the impact I get from the HP-P1 is not as strong as what I get from the SR-71A or the Stepdance. Sound quality? I don’t know I can’t think of a good base for comparison right now. Perhaps something at the level of the RSA Mustang, though the sound signature is a bit different.

Fishman3230

Teixeira Vh

Hi Mike,

Have you tried the HP-P1 with the Beyer DT-1350? DT-1350 has landed today and now I’m looking for a portable daccy/amppy thing all I one, I think this litlle grey box can do the trick! What do you say? Thanks!

Anonymous

Teixeira Vh

You’re a men of few words..lol But if it’s good it’s all that matters in the end… I found that the HM-602 doesn’t have what it takes to drive the Beyers to it’s full potential, hopefully the Fostex will 😉

Anonymous

GUEST

Mike, would you prefer Fostex HP-P1 + Touch or just HM-801? The price of fostex is equal to hifiman. My headphone is edition 8, can you give me some advice? One guy says it is too warm and the bass can be muddy with the hm-801.

GUEST

Anonymous

I would rank the amp section of the TTVJ and the HM-801 being roughly equal, though the TTVJ has more voltage swing than the HM-801’s. The HP-P1’s amp is just nice sounding and transparent, but it’s not that powerful in terms of impact.

TTVJ to the LCD-2, I think it can. But not the best solution. Desktop amps for big headphones, that’s the rule.

GUEST

Anonymous

Surpass in what sense? DAC section is very debatable. The HP-P1 has a good DAC and so is the HM-801, just different character. Amplifier section, the stock amp in the HM-801 is more powerful than the HP-P1’s.

Anonymous

Irawanjohan

Thank you bro, it’s hiss sound is more like soft crackling sound. I can hear it on my shure 530 when the hp-p1 turned on and no ipod is attached. When the music plays vocal/acoustic song, I can hear the noise.

Anonymous

Meaderanizer228

Is the HP P1 powerful enough to drive the AKG 701 effectively ? Also what IEM would you recommend for the HP P1 ? My listening is towards the melodious side from classical to downtempo etc .. hope that helps & thanks in advance 🙂

Anonymous

ALO continental and the HP-P1? Of course it will, the Fostex’s digital part is only the DAC section, and all DAPs have that.

Now, the second question is trickier. The HP-P1 has a better DAC section, but the ALO continental has a better amp section. I really can’t quite say which is going to be better. It depends on the set up, music, etc etc.

I just want to confirm one thing. Does the USB “input” just work with the connector adapter? Ie you can’t connect it to your computers USB port to make it work as an DAC/Headphone amp for your laptop? Thanks!

Anonymous

Ste

Hi, Mike. In your opinion, how it works fostex hp1, with 600-ohm headphones, especially with Beyerdinamyc T1. Out of curiosity I tried to use the T1 combined to ‘iPhone and 2stepdance amp, and I must say they sound very good! Reading your review I imagined what improvements could be using the DAC fostex alone or in combination with 2stepdance … worth buying? What do you think .. thanks .. Ste

Jalo

Anonymous

SM

Not sure if you’ve listened to the Westone ES5, but if you have, would you recommend the Fostex HP-P1 or the CLAS + A good amp such as the Meier 2Stepdance? Also, what genres of music would you recommend each setup for? Thanks in advance.

HKMan

Wyffels

Anonymous

I haven’t had any experiences with the Headroom units, Wyffels, sorry. But the Headroom stuff don’t let you tap the digital data out of an Ipod, and I think that’s the main selling point of this Fostex.

Wyffels

Anonymous

Wyffels

Nice! Let me know. I just bought the Fostex unit to try out. In the end, I need a DAC/Amp combo to use with portable music devices. I just want to make sure I choose one of the better units for this, or at least has the capability.

Anonymous

Zenfire

Hi Mike, have you heard the HP-P1 with the AKG 701’s? Modded Akg 701’s too? Any advice as to best combo? I will probably start with just the Fostex, and add an amp as numbers allow… Cheers for all your hard work. Z

Anonymous

Singh

the i streamer work as a portable if a portable usb charger is carried along with it. both the setups cost about the same.

How good is the amp section of HP-P1 , with IEMs , if i get the HP-P1, will the addition of a pico slim improve the sound , if yes , how much ?

also if i get the pico slim i will have another portable rig i.e. the ipod>pico slim> miracle

( Portable for me is something that can be carried in a backpack , i dont need small form-factor , i zeroed down to pico slim as i have read for iems its the absolute best, also as my miracle is quite neutral it must pair nicely with them ) any other suggestions are welcome as well.

Singh

Anonymous

Hi Singh, I am not too familiar with the iStreamer. Doesn’t it need AC power to work? I would just go with the HP-P1 as the UM Miracle should be very good in showing the resolution of the DAC. As for an extra amp like the Pico Slim, I really wouldn’t bother, the P1 amp is already very good for IEMs. It’s just lacking punch for big headphones. But even if you do decide to go with the Pico Slim, I am not sure it is a good pairing with the Miracle as I’ve never heard it. The last UM product that really impresses me is a 6 driver Triple.Fi 10 refit. A bunch of local friends have gone for that recommendation after I told them how amazing it was, and they are all very happy with it now.

Fabio Rocks

“I know that the $799 price tag can make you wish that you didn’t read this review in the first place” Really!

1) Is it possible to use the Hp-p1 with a Mac or Pc? 2) Do you think in the future maybe we’ll see cheaper products like the hp-p1? (fiio and ibasso are you listening?) An ibasso d0 that works like the hp-p1 we’ll be a wonderful product for price and size 3) to act like the clas and the hp-p1 you need some permission by apple?

I have some suggestion to Fostex for a cheeper version:

1) price point 250 dollars 2) size smaller (near fiio e7)

Obviously I dont expect the same sound quality but at least 70/80 % of the Hp-P1

Fabio Rocks

“I know that the $799 price tag can make you wish that you didn’t read this review in the first place” Really!

1) Is it possible to use the Hp-p1 with a Mac or Pc? 2) Do you think in the future maybe we’ll see cheaper products like the hp-p1? (fiio and ibasso are you listening?) An ibasso d0 that works like the hp-p1 we’ll be a wonderful product for price and size 3) to act like the clas and the hp-p1 you need some permission by apple?

I have some suggestion to Fostex for a cheeper version:

1) price point 250 dollars 2) size smaller (near fiio e7)

Obviously I dont expect the same sound quality but at least 70/80 % of the Hp-P1

Joezhou98

Just got my Fostex HP-P1. While I enjoy the great sound, I found it often “hiccups”. When it does it, the red LED blinks. It happens randomly. It does not happen at the same sound track at the same point. I would not hear the hiccups for the same sound track at my computer at all. have you found it? is it a defect? I suspect it has something to do with the battery or battery power.

Joezhou98

I think my friends told me that they are having slight issues that the Fostex makes faint clicking noise when running from an Iphone 4 (but not with the 3Gs). However they also told me that the newest Fostex HP-P1 no longer has that issue.

Joezhou98

Mike, Thanks for sharing this with me. I confirm that the hiccups or clicking noises only happened with iphone 4, not with my ipod, my ipad 3G and ipod mini. The clicking noise happened quite often with iphone 4 and I tried with both airplane mode on and off, and it did not make much difference. I guess for Fostex HP-P1 the clicking noise problem with iphone 4 has not been fixed. other than this one problem, I am quick happy with the HP-P1. Thanks.

Steve

Just pick up this unit with a Beyer. DT-1350 and iPod Touch, great portable combination for me. I am using Moon Audio Silver Dragon IEM cables in the headphone and the Moon Audio iPod to USB as input to the Fostex.

Gary

Dont belive a word about this Fostex HP-P1… it is GARBAGE, Headrooms Airhead amp which has no dac and costs only $100 is better than this handsdown when this is $700+ at the cheapest place, Both where tested with $500 headphones, Headfiona been paid to rap it up odviously, so I wouldnt belive a word they say.

mike

Glen

After reading your review and a couple others, I made the jump and ordered the Fostex HP-P1. I was surprised by the size of it in person. I’ve been using a 2 year old Headstage Arrow V2 with my Zune HD 32 GIG. I really enjoyed this setup because it is very small and compact. And using 320 kbps MP3 files, I was getting OK sound. I would except the compromise of the sound for portability. But in the pursuit of the Holy Grail of portable systems that I didn’t need to put a second mortgage on my home for, I tried the HiFiMan HM-602, so that I could use my FLAC files and not need two components to carry around with me. I was totally blown away by the sound difference through the 602. (I listen to FLAC and WAV on my computer using, again something that’s 2 years old and soon being exchanged for the Burson HA-160D, a Maverick Tubemagic D1. It’s a great sounding DAC/amp and am pleased with how it sounded.) But, After using the HM-602 for a few weeks, I returned it because I couldn’t get used to the button interface and the unit would just stop playing after 15 – 20 minutes of playback. So it went back. Now, after reading about the Fostex, I thought that I would come to the darkside and get an iPod classic 160. I’m not an Apple person, so this was a huge sacrifice for me to make. But, all in the pursuit of sound. But I’ve got me a bit of a situation. The iPod will not play the WAV files I have because perhaps of some encoding. And the iPod certainly will not play FLAC. Grrrr. So, my question to all is this; is there a way to play FLAC on the iPod or what are the encoding requirements for WAV. Sorry for the long intro for the question, but some background was needed I thought. Thanks. By the way, love the site. Your doing a great job with your reviews.

Glen

Just some more info on previous post. I use MediaMonkey version 4 for all my organization of my files, I have over 20,000. And I use dbpoweramp to rip and convert my files. They both do apple lossless and apple aiff, but the iPod will not play them.

Glen, That’s really interesting because I play Apple Lossless, AIFF, and WAVs on my Ipod all the time. As for FLAC I don’t think there is a solution. You can use rockbock for the older Ipod versions (I believe up to 5.5) and that will give FLAC access, but not for the newer Ipod Classics I believe. As for the problem with playing AIFF, WAV, is it the Media Monkey? I use Itunes and I have no problems whatsoever.

Glen

Mike, Thanks for the quick reply. I’ve only had the iPod “classic” (per Kiwidave for clarification) for only a few days. Like just last Friday and haven’t had too much time experimenting with the codecs. But what I’ve found out to work the best so far is this; I use dbpoweramp music converter, in Aiff format and using the 16 bit depth, (iPod classic will not except 24 it seems) and 48 kHz for the sample rate, I get the right combo for the iPod classic to read the file. iTunes will play the 24 bit files though, so it was a little dis-heartening that the player wouldn’t except them. Anyways I’m off to sonic-niverna. Just as a side note, because of the size of my library, I decided to create a separate directory for iTunes to use. iTunes has terrible file management! So I have to limit it’s accessibility to the library. Seems to work, all it see’s are the files I convert to Aiff.

Richard Jacobs

Mike, Thanks for the review. I have to ask… How does the Fostex HP-P1 compare in terms of performance and sound to the FiiO E17? I know there is a large difference in price. Therefore, it begs the question. Thanks!

Richard Jacobs

ivan ka

Hi mike. Im using hd25adidas and itouch 4th gen. I feel the bass is over whelming the detail of a song, not forward vocal, and soundstage is not wide enough. Do you think that fostex hp-p1 could accomodate my complain? Or should i get the rsa portable amps/ pico / pico slim? Thanx.

The Fostex should help improve the soundstage. But if you feel the soundstage is not wide enough, perhaps it’s time to change to a different headphone. The HD25-1 isn’t quite known for a wide soundstage.

Alok Juyal

Hello Mike, am a newbie and your site is heaven sent!! I currently listen to my iPhone+E11 set up on Shure SE535s or HE-300s. My music is rock+pop. The Fostex hp-p1 seems like a good upgrade plus add a DAC to my iPhone. What do you think ? Thanks

Alok Juyal

Thanks Mike, the Alo C is a super amp I have heard much of. Let me see if I can have one shipped over to Singapore. I guess it will do just fine with the 535s as well. I will leave the DAC for another day but for choice I guess the Solo will go well with this set up.

Joon Jang

Hey Mike, I’m in a bit of a problem spot here. I’m trying to upgrade my portable rig — I’ve got an iTouch with a lot of lossless files and an Edition 8 and I’m trying to fill in the gap. I’m thinking about the CLAS with Continental v2 but the HP-P1 seems all-too convenient a package to ignore. I think the Continental’s “tubey” sound will appropriately fill in the mids that are lacking on the Edition 8s, but again, the HP-P1’s simply more portable… Anyways, your advice?

The Fostex is nice, but headphone out is a bit weak and I don’t think it’ll do justice to the Ed8. You can get it loud enough, just it would lack impact. With the CLAS+Continental, or CLAS+National system, you won’t have that issue, but yes it’s going to be bigger and heavier overall.

Joon Jang

Ok, thanks! Since you mentioned the National, have you had any experience with it? What are your impressions of it vs the Continental? (I hear the National is completely SS but designed to sound tubey like the Continental?) I can’t seem to find opinions anywhere about the Continental v the National.

Joon Jang

National: Slightly darker, fuller lows, mids are good and full, not as clean as the Continental. Punchy, full bodied, warm, overall very nice amp. Continental is more refined, cleaner, clearer, overall more expensive sounding amp, but I think the National is more fun.

Joon Jang

Hey Mike, I’m in a bit of a problem spot here. I’m trying to upgrade my portable rig — it’s an iTouch and an Edition 8 and I’m trying to fill in the gap. I’m leaning towards the CLAS and Continental v2 combo offered by ALO as I feel it’ll fill in the mids that I feel lacking with the 8s, but I can’t ignore the HP-P1 for its convenience. I also realize there’s a bit of a price difference here, so I’m wondering if the CLAS + Continental v2 justifies the price. I listen to mostly vocals, rock, pop (in that order). Anyways… Your advice?

Joon Jang

ZenFire1

Hi, I have the HP-P1, and wonder, can I use the headphone out on my MacBook Pro into the HP-P1 audio in, then connect HP-P1 to an office amp and ceiling speakers to either play music from iTunes, or increase volume and locations for incoming Skype calls to run a conference for 50 people through the ceiling speakers?

Odin k

Glen Bierworth

Yes. I use it all the time while it’s plugged in. Most times I use it as a portable sound system while working, playing through my Soundmatters – FOXL v2 speakers. I use two in stereo. It’s quite the little rig. People cannot believe the sound. So, yes, it works while charging.

Marcus Lackey

Mike,

Thanks for all of your reviews. I have a 7th Gen iPod and SE535-LTD (reds). Since I am only using an IEM, I am looking hard at the Fostex HP-P1. However, I’m also considering the SR-71A. I recently purchased a Pico Slim but am going to be sending it back because it seems to have a narrow soundstage and a general coldness to it. While the clarity is great in the Pico Slim, the music doesn’t sound as alive as I would like it to. So my present dilema is choosing between the Fostex (superior clarity but questionable liveliness) and the SR-71A (warmth, liveliness but less clarity since no DAC). I can’t afford to buy the SR-71A and the CLAS at the moment, but might be able to add the CLAS in 6-9 months. So I guess my question is what would you do? Am I going to be disappointed by the SR-71A for 6-9 months or am I going to be permanently disappointed by the Fostex? Such a hard call! Thanks again for all your time and help.

Marcus, With an IEM I don’t think you need to go with the 71A. You can get the Mustang or the Shadow and be fine. The Fostex direct to the SE535LTD would be enough too, as you don’t need that much power with IEMs.

l3A7VA7VA

l3A7VA7VA

I`ve no idea myself. As I wrote earlier I tried all my headphones, the (R)right earpiece was always slightly louder or at least the sound was not central in my skull but slightly to the right.The only thing that worked was changing the LOD.The Apple LOD is a considerably much tighter fit. I`m no technical expert so I can`t really say anything more.

Shirish Tiwari

Shirish Tiwari

I had quite a few questions regarding this piece, but patiently reading the comments answered all of them. So I just bought this unit. Cost me $1007 here in India! Bugger! Grrrr 😡 I am using this only with IEM’s, Shure 535 mostly. Thankfully my unit doesn’t make any hiss, glitch, hiccup, poo-paa or any other noises.

And boy, does it sound AMAZING!! I have a big fat shameless grin on my face all the time :D:D:D

Laurencewayne

Hi Mike- Based on your recommendation I popped for the HP-P1. Absolutely perfect for making my HD 800 portable and even improving my AKG 3003i (have you heard these?) Since your responsible for this purchase ;-)) a question: nowhere can I find that I can charge the battery by using a wall charger into the USB (i.e. Apple phone-small or iPad-larger) The manual and all reference on line is to a USB on Mac or PC. Think I’d be alright and not hurt anything by wall charging? And thanks again and again for the effort to make such a great site!

l3A7VA7VA

Transparency would be better on the internal amp as the signal path is shortest, but the Arrow amp would be more powerful. The pico slim is an IEM amp, so you don’t get too much volume/loudness with it, but it’s also punchier than the Fostex internal amp.

Thanks Mike. I noticed when you reviewed the Matrix portable you talked about the CLAS being your favorite DAC, but in the Fostex review I got the sense that you preferred the Fostex at that time to the CLAS. What changed you back to the CLAS?

Hi John, Initially I was very impressed with the HP-P1. It’s spacious, smooth and airy. The sound is more spacious and smoother than the CLAS.

After some time, I started to appreciate what a good black background brings to the sound (from doing the KingRex DAC review, and also the Altmann Tera player), which the CLAS does better than the P1. But I think the finishing “blow” for me is the bass. The P1 is lacking the bottom end weight when compared to the CLAS. This is just my personal preference though, I can understand why some people prefer the P1.

Eric

Hi, I currently have a hpp1. I really like its smoothness and naturalness it provides to me. I’m currently looking for a desktop dac/amp combo that has a similar sound to the hpp1. I’m looking for within 500 dollars. Do you have any recommendations, Headfonia? Thanks in advance!

Trent_D

Eric

Yes I did. It is indeed very similar to the hp-p1, but I don’t find much improvement from the hp-p1 to the the hp-a3. It’d be nice if there’s some improvement from the hp-p1, but thanks for the suggestion anyway. Any more recommendations?

Trent_D

Well, if you can spare two thousand dollars, there is the HP-A8. As far as resonably priced dac/amp boxes go, you could try the ALO’s Pan Am. It is a hybrid tube amp, with a built-in dac. By the by, what headphones do you use, and what types of music make up your playlists?

Eric Tam

I apologize for the late reply, Trent_D! And thanks for the reply! Haha, I understand what you guys are saying. You pay for what you get! The more you pay, the more you get!

My headphones of choice are the Audio Technica ES-10 and the Denon A100. They are both quite heavy on bass and the HP-P1 has complimented with my two headphones very well because the HP-P1 itself does not provide sufficient quantity of bass, but the quality of bass is definitely here by giving deep and “not muddy” bass.

I mostly listen to Japanese Pop, rock and classical piano, so i have a mix of different genres.Overall, i’m not looking for a setup that is overly bassy and coloured. I’m leaning toward to more a neutral setup.

Trent_D

I haven’t actually heard the Pan Am, although I seem to be finding my preferences somewhat similar to Mikes. So I would go from his review. ALO has a 30 day return policy as well, if you want to give it a spin.

Eric Tam

Thanks for the suggestion, Mike! In your HP-A3, you had more emphasis on how the tonality compares between the HP-A3 and HP-P1. Would you mind to have a brief say about how HP-A3 and HP-P1 compare in quality? (Like is there one thing that a particular Fostex is doing better?)

dalethorn

The digital out of the iPhone5 is the same as the digital out of the iPhone4, so the HP-P1 should work OK. I have just the Verza myself, which does more – i.e. it works as an i-device DAC, Android DAC (most but not all), and Apple DAC for both older iPods and the new Lightning types. I think the description in the above review has the HP-P1 as “digital sounding”, and I think that description more or less applies to the Verza too.

Hoang Nguyen Minh

l3A7VA7VA

You can`t update it by yourself. You have to send it to Fostex or one of their distributors who have the license to update it. What is your current firmware and hardware (under general>about on your ipod).

Richard in St. Louis

Mike, I am interested in your opinion on two subjects: 1. What are the best couple if options for iDevice based headphone/IEM DAC/amps. Specifically, your thoughts on the coming Sony PHA-2, NuForce iCon iDo and the like. AND 2. What are the best couple of options for computer server based headphone/IEM DAC/amps under $1000. Specifically, the meridian products, Dragonfly v1.2 and the like. I’m driving AKG K702 and Q701 headphones and Monster Turbine Pearl IEMs. Thanks.

jesus crespo

I couldn’t say myself, but do this: Check the headphones you’re interested in – check their impedance curve graphs on Innerfidelity. See the impedance curve graph for the Beyer T1, for example. [http://www.innerfidelity.com/images/BeyerdynamicT1.pdf]

See how the impedance has a big upswing around 100 hz, in the upper bass? That could be a problem. If you have something like that, then google the amp and headphone together, and you should find comments on them.